A Reminder for Parents About Over-the-Counter Medications

** This post was sponsored by Influence Central as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Safety is a top priority for us as parents, whether we are traveling to a new destination or spending time at home. Child proofing our home was essential to preparing to bring our first daughter home, including one area in particular: The medicine cabinet. Whenever possible I try to use more natural remedies or over-the-counter medications to treat any common symptoms our children experience. As our two young girls grow older, I need to continue to ensure that any medications they take are appropriate and won’t cause them any harm. We also always keep our children away from all medicines and over-the-counter products to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse.

Today I wanted to share a reminder to all parents to actively look at the labels of any medications for your family members, including not just prescriptions but over-the-counter products. When you travel frequently like we like to do, someone in your family might need a remedy for a common symptom like diarrhea. If you’re picking up a medication to treat something like diarrhea on the go, you might not be checking the ingredients, but it’s always a good idea.

It’s important to be aware of one active ingredient in particular that is found in many diarrhea relief products and has risks associated with it. What is loperamide? The ingredient, loperamide, while completely safe when used as intended, can mimic the effects of opiods in certain, larger dosages. It’s also important to know that loperamide does not directly address the underlying cause of the diarrhea and it may only relieve symptoms. As shocking as this sounds, there have been cases of people, including teenagers, using such products with loperamide to get high, and parents should be aware of the potential for this to occur if the products are kept in their homes.

What can parents do?

The FDA has issued a letter asking retailers to stop selling large sizes of products that contain loperamide, and while some companies are complying, it is not yet mandatory. That means it’s up to parents to check labels and keep certain medications away from their loved ones to avoid potential abuse or misuse. Parents should also always consult with their physician when taking medications. A medical professional is always the best person to ask about risks and dosage. Do you regularly check the labels for over-the-counter medications? Have you heard of this misuse of loperamide?